The word "Hellenism" is a derivation from the greek word "Ellinismos".

In the Greek Language

1) For the last 3,500 years, the word "Ellinismos" has been used to
describe the people of Greek lineage.

2) Starting about 2,500 years ago, "Ellinismos" has also been used to
describe a set of values for living. Even though these values
were invented by the Greeks of that time, anyone could have them, whether
Greek or not. These values became the basis of our today's Western
civilization.

In the English Language

In the last few centuries, the Greek word "Ellinismos" was adopted by
the English language as "Hellenism". Its meanings in English derive
from the greek meanings:

* Hellenism (noun) (First appeared in 1609)
1: Grecism 1
2: devotion to, or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs
or styles
3: Greek civilization, esp. as modified in the Hellenistic period
by oriental influences
4: a body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with
ancient Greece, and includes reason, the pursuit of knowledge and the arts,
moderation, civic responsibility, and bodily development.

* Hellenic (adjective) (First appeared in 1644)
: of or relating to Greece, its people, or its language, specifically:
of or relating to ancient Greek history, culture, or art, before the Hellenistic
period.